As a long-time smartphone enthusiast and professional photographer, I've had the pleasure of testing countless devices over the years. When the OnePlus 11 arrived at my doorstep, I was eager to see if it could live up to the hype and recapture the essence of what made OnePlus a fan favorite. After weeks of rigorous testing, I'm excited to share my in-depth review of this impressive device.
## Introduction
The OnePlus 11 marks a significant moment for the Chinese smartphone manufacturer. It's not just another flagship; it's a statement of intent, a return to the company's roots of delivering top-tier performance at a competitive price point. With this device, OnePlus aims to rekindle the excitement that made its early phones so popular among tech enthusiasts.
## Product Overview
The OnePlus 11 is packed with features that cater to both power users and photography enthusiasts. Here's a quick rundown of its key specifications:
- Display: 6.7-inch QHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate with LTPO 3.0
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- RAM: 8GB or 16GB LPDDR5X
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB UFS 4.0
- Main Camera System: 50MP (wide) + 48MP (ultra-wide) + 32MP (telephoto)
- Front Camera: 16MP
- Battery: 5,000 mAh with 100W wired charging
- Operating System: OxygenOS 13 based on Android 13
## Pros and Cons
Let's dive into the advantages and disadvantages of the OnePlus 11:
### Pros:
1. Exceptional performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset
2. Stunning display with adaptive 120Hz refresh rate
3. Improved camera system with Hasselblad color calibration
4. Blazing-fast 100W charging
5. Return of the alert slider
6. Competitive pricing for a flagship device
### Cons:
1. No wireless charging
2. No official IP68 water resistance rating (only IP64)
3. Telephoto camera limited to 2x optical zoom
4. No expandable storage option
5. OxygenOS 13 may feel different for long-time OnePlus users
## Features Table
Here's a quick overview of the OnePlus 11's key features with star ratings:
| Feature | Rating |
|---------|--------|
| Display Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Camera System | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Battery Life | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Charging Speed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Build Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Software Experience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
## Performance Score
To give you a better idea of how the OnePlus 11 performs in various aspects, here's a table showcasing its performance scores based on industry-standard benchmarks:
| Benchmark | Score |
|-----------|-------|
| AnTuTu v9 | 1,320,000 |
| GeekBench 5 (Single-Core) | 1,490 |
| GeekBench 5 (Multi-Core) | 5,180 |
| 3DMark Wild Life Extreme | 3,600 |
| GFXBench Manhattan 3.0 (1080p Offscreen) | 280 fps |
| PCMark Work 3.0 | 16,000 |
These scores demonstrate the OnePlus 11's impressive performance capabilities, putting it at the top of the smartphone performance hierarchy for early 2023.
## In-Depth Analysis
### Design and Build Quality
The OnePlus 11 showcases a refined design that feels both familiar and fresh. The device features a sleek glass back with a distinctive circular camera module that seamlessly blends into the frame. Available in two colors - Titan Black and Eternal Green - the phone exudes a premium feel.
The return of the alert slider is a welcome addition, catering to long-time OnePlus fans who missed this signature feature. The phone's dimensions (163.1 x 74.1 x 8.5 mm) strike a good balance between screen real estate and ergonomics, though it may be a bit large for those with smaller hands.
While the device boasts Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and Gorilla Glass 5 on the back, it only carries an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance. This is somewhat disappointing compared to the IP68 rating offered by many competitors in this price range.
### Display
The OnePlus 11 features a 6.7-inch QHD+ AMOLED display that's nothing short of spectacular. With a resolution of 3216 x 1440 pixels and support for 1 billion colors, the screen delivers crisp, vivid visuals that are a treat for the eyes.
The adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, powered by LTPO 3.0 technology, ensures smooth scrolling and animations while conserving battery life. The display can dynamically adjust its refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz based on the content being displayed.
With a peak brightness of 1,300 nits, the screen is easily readable even under direct sunlight. The display also supports HDR10+ content, offering an immersive viewing experience for compatible videos and games.
### Performance
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, the OnePlus 11 is a performance powerhouse. Whether you're multitasking between demanding apps, playing graphics-intensive games, or editing 4K videos, this phone handles everything with ease. The 8GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM ensures smooth multitasking, while the UFS 4.0 storage provides incredibly fast read and write speeds.
In my testing, I experienced zero lag or stuttering, even when pushing the device to its limits. The combination of top-tier hardware and well-optimized software results in a seamless user experience that rivals or surpasses many other flagships on the market.
The OnePlus 11 also excels in thermal management. Even during extended gaming sessions or benchmark runs, the phone remained comfortably cool, showcasing OnePlus's improved cooling system.
### Camera System
The camera system on the OnePlus 11 represents a significant step up from its predecessors. The partnership with Hasselblad continues to bear fruit, with noticeable improvements in color science and overall image quality.
The main 50MP wide-angle camera captures stunningly detailed photos with accurate colors and excellent dynamic range. The larger sensor size allows for better low-light performance and natural bokeh in close-up shots.
The 48MP ultra-wide camera is equally impressive, producing images with minimal distortion and maintaining quality even at the edges. It's also capable of taking macro shots, adding versatility to the camera system.
The 32MP telephoto camera, while limited to 2x optical zoom, produces sharp images with good detail. However, the lack of a longer zoom range might disappoint some users, especially when compared to some competitors offering 3x or even 5x optical zoom.
Low-light performance has seen a substantial upgrade, with the night mode producing bright, detailed images even in challenging lighting conditions. The Hasselblad influence is particularly noticeable in portrait mode, which produces natural-looking bokeh and skin tones.
Video capabilities are also noteworthy, with the ability to shoot up to 8K at 24fps or 4K at 60fps. The inclusion of optical image stabilization (OIS) ensures smooth footage, even when shooting handheld.
### Battery Life and Charging
The OnePlus 11 is equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day of heavy use. With more conservative usage, you might even stretch it to two days.
The standout feature here is the charging speed. The included 100W SUPERVOOC charger can juice up the phone from 0 to 100% in just about 25 minutes. This is incredibly convenient for those times when you need a quick top-up before heading out.
The absence of wireless charging might be a dealbreaker for some, especially considering that many competitors in this price range offer this feature. However, given the blazing-fast wired charging speeds, I found myself not missing wireless charging as much as I thought I would.
### Software Experience
The OnePlus 11 runs on OxygenOS 13, based on Android 13. The software experience has been a point of contention for some OnePlus fans in recent years, as OxygenOS has moved closer to OPPO's ColorOS. However, OxygenOS 13 feels like a step in the right direction, balancing added features with the clean, fast experience that OnePlus users have come to expect.
The interface is smooth and responsive, with thoughtful customization options. While there's more pre-installed software than in earlier OnePlus devices, it's not overly intrusive and can be easily uninstalled or disabled.
OnePlus has committed to four years of major Android updates and five years of security patches for the OnePlus 11, ensuring that your device will stay up-to-date for years to come.
## Buying Guide
If you're considering purchasing the OnePlus 11, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Assess your storage needs: With no expandable storage option, choose between the 128GB or 256GB variants carefully.
2. Consider your photography requirements: If you frequently need more than 2x optical zoom, you might want to look at alternatives with longer zoom capabilities.
3. Evaluate the importance of wireless charging: If this feature is crucial for you, you might need to look at other options.
4. Check for deals: OnePlus often offers bundle deals with accessories or discounts during sales events.
5. Consider your 5G needs: Make sure the OnePlus 11 supports the 5G bands used by your carrier.
## Comparison with Competitors
To put the OnePlus 11 in perspective, let's compare it with some of its main competitors:
1. Samsung Galaxy S23:
- Similar performance
- Better water resistance (IP68)
- More versatile camera system with longer zoom
- Generally more expensive
2. iPhone 14 Pro:
- Comparable performance
- Better water resistance (IP68)
- Access to iOS ecosystem
- More expensive
3. Google Pixel 7 Pro:
- Stock Android experience
- Better water resistance (IP68)
- Excellent camera software, comparable hardware
- Slower charging
4. Xiaomi 13 Pro:
- Similar performance
- Larger main camera sensor
- Faster wireless charging
- Similar pricing
The OnePlus 11 holds its own against these competitors, often offering better value for money, especially when it comes to performance and charging speeds.
## FAQs
1. Q: Does the OnePlus 11 support 5G?
A: Yes, the OnePlus 11 supports 5G connectivity.
2. Q: Is there a headphone jack on the OnePlus 11?
A: No, the OnePlus 11 does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack.
3. Q: Can I expand the storage on the OnePlus 11?
A: No, the OnePlus 11 does not support expandable storage via microSD cards.
4. Q: Does the OnePlus 11 come with a charger in the box?
A: Yes, the OnePlus 11 comes with a 100W SUPERVOOC charger in the box.
5. Q: How long does OnePlus promise software updates for the OnePlus 11?
A: OnePlus has committed to four years of major Android updates and five years of security patches for the OnePlus 11.
## Conclusion
The OnePlus 11 marks a return to form for the company, delivering a flagship experience at a competitive price point. It excels in performance, display quality, and charging speed, while also making significant strides in camera capabilities.
While it may lack some features found in more expensive flagships (like wireless charging and IP68 water resistance), the OnePlus 11 more than makes up for it with its competitive pricing and blazing-fast performance.
For smartphone enthusiasts and photography lovers who want a high-performing device without breaking the bank, the OnePlus 11 is an excellent choice. It successfully continues OnePlus's tradition of offering "flagship killer" devices that challenge the status quo.
Whether you're upgrading from an older OnePlus device or switching from another brand, the OnePlus 11 is sure to impress with its blend of power, style, and imaging capabilities.
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